Any pilot who flies in busy terminal airspace may eventually receive instructions to "keep your speed up" during a hectic arrival. For a pilot accustomed to the stabilized approaches promoted in training and recommended for normal operations, this unfamiliar scenario can become a distraction, so be wary. Read more >

Flight Training News

Article

Cirrus Embark training program launches

In an effort to improve the safety record among pilots buying used Cirrus aircraft, the company has launched a new "Cirrus Embark" training program. Read more >

Article

Redbird introduces GIFT

Coming up with creative and productive ways to use a simulator has always been a challenge for pilots and flight instructors. Instrument training is fairly straightforward, but beginning students often are at a loss with how to use the devices. Redbird Flight Simulations' new Guided Independent Flight Training is an attempt to solve that problem. Read more >

Article

Frasca predicts continued demand for training sims

Frasca International predicts continued strong demand among college flight schools for general aviation flight training devices and advanced aviation training devices. Read more >

Article

Spartan orders four-seat electric aircraft

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has ordered a four-seat electric Sun Flyer, which is in the works by Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. The school already has an order in place for 25 of the two-seat electric version to augment its training fleet of Cessna 152s and 172s, and a Piper Seminole. The college also is working with the company to develop a maintenance model for both aircraft. Read more >

Video

'A is for Alex too eager to go...'

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N. Pilot Safety Announcement for the unwary flier spells out the ills that can result from carelessness. Before hopping in the airplane to your holiday retreat, recite this rhyme and make sure your name isn't next on the list. Watch the video >

Scholarships

AOPA Foundation focus

Baker awards scholarship to teen at AirVenture

Chase Harting received a boost for his flight training during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Harting is an AOPA Foundation Flight Training scholarship recipient, and AOPA President Mark Baker presented him with a $5,000 check during the show. "I'm gonna go fly as soon as I get home," Harting exclaimed. Read more >

AOPA Live

AOPA Live This Week

Live from AirVenture

AOPA Live This Week® brings you the action live from EAA AirVenture. Meet Sean D. Tucker's protégé and see what it's like for airshow performers to get ready to wow the crowds gathered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Also this week, pilots rally against air traffic control privatization, and Piper Cubs make a mass arrival commemorating the eightieth anniversary of the iconic aircraft. AOPA Live This Week will air special episodes on July 27, 28, and 29, so check the AOPA Live web page daily for the latest show. Watch AOPA Live This Week >

Training Products and Resources

Login required

Roger, affirmative, or wilco?

Proper radio terminology goes a long way in clear radio communication. Get on the same wavelength with other traffic and air traffic control by taking the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Radio Communications quiz. Test your skills >

Dual USB charger displays voltage

If you fly with portable electronics, it's essential to keep the devices powered up and ready for use. Flight Gear's Dual USB Charger incorporates two 2.4-amp charging ports and an LED screen that displays voltage. The displays will blink if low voltage is detected. The charger is available from Sporty's Pilot Shop for $18.95.

Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors.

Member Benefits

AOPA Aviation Finance

How are aircraft loans structured?

Find out from AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith how aircraft loans are structured for repayment and interest, and whether they can be financed as fixed- or adjustable-rate loans. Read more >

AOPA member benefits

What does the future have in store for drones?

How will drones evolve as technology and safety for unmanned aircraft continue to improve? AOPA Insurance Services Vice President and Director of Operations Jim Pinegar ponders the future. Read more >

Pilot Protection Services

Five ways to strengthen or weaken your body

Dr. Jonathan Sackier writes, "Materials that we use to construct airplanes are important and the materials that are used to construct humans are also important." He shares five actions pilots should note that could either strengthen or weaken the body. Read more >

Plane Spotter

Capacious kit

The words "Cirrus" and "homebuilt" are not commonly used together in an age when the Minnesota-based manufacturer is turning out high-flying, top-selling production piston single-engine airplanes, and breaking ground with the new SF50 Vision Jet. But the Cirrus team started by designing a kitplane: the 300-horsepower, composite-built, pusher-prop Cirrus VK-30 that first flew in tests in 1988. A sharply pointed nose and a cabin that accommodates five—dwarfing most kits—are secrets for plane-spotting success. This example was sighted in April at the AOPA Fly-In in Camarillo, California.

Final Exam

Question

Can a non-instructor give discovery or introductory flights?

Answer

A discovery flight, or introductory flight, briefly introduces flight training, and is typically given by a certificated flight instructor. However, there is no prohibition on any pilot taking someone aloft and letting them handle the controls. Keep in mind that the pilot cannot endorse a logbook, so the flight does not count toward a pilot certificate for the prospective student.

Did you know that student pilots who join AOPA are three times more likely to complete their flight training? Membership includes unlimited access to aviation information by phone (800/USA-AOPA, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time) or from AOPA Online. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Career Opportunities

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a Flying Clubs Initiative manager, graphic designer, video producer, research and analysis director, operations clerk, copy editor, marketing project coordinator, legislative affairs vice president, customer service representative, airports and state advocacy vice president, flight training business support senior director, and legal services plan attorney. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

AOPA Rusty Pilots Seminars are sponsored by Sporty's. For a complete schedule, visit the AOPA Hangar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.)

Aviation Calendar

Want something to do this weekend? Planning an aviation getaway? See AOPA's enhanced calendar of events. You can filter events, add an event, or search all events in the calendar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to search the events or to add an event.) Before you take off on an adventure, make sure you check our current aviation weather provided by Jeppesen.

For airport details, including FBO fuel prices, see AOPA Airports. AOPA does not endorse or assume responsibility for the events submitted and listed in the calendar.